Total Benefits

Resident and fellows: LTD insurance

While we all hope to never suffer from a debilitating illness or injury, there could come a time when you’re unable to work or continue your studies. Should this happen, long-term disability (LTD) insurance provides financial protection by paying you a monthly income.

As a full-time UW resident or fellow, you have two LTD insurance options:

The MedPlus Advantage plan, sponsored by the American Medical Association (AMA)

The AMA-sponsored LTD insurance plan provides you the option to obtain an Individual Disability Insurance policy at a discounted rate with no medical underwriting when your residency or fellowship ends. Prior participation in the group LTD programs is not required. For more information please refer to the “Continue Coverage” section below.

The following describes the AMA-sponsored MedPlus Advantage plan.

Coverage

Full details about the AMA-sponsored LTD plan can be found by reviewing the plan certificate. Download it by going to the MedPlus Advantage website and entering the ID number 644228. You can also download the plan summary (highlight sheet) and the Global Emergency Services brochure.

Eligibility

You must hold a M.D., Ph.D., Psy.D., D.O., D.M.D., or D.D.S., and you must be enrolled in one of the academic departments at the UW School of Medicine or in the School of Dentistry, School of Nursing, or School of Pharmacy.

Enroll

Coverage is effective on the first of the month following the date you apply. The policy plan year starts July 1 and ends the following year on June 30.

The monthly premium for the current plan year is $18. This premium is deducted directly from your paycheck in two installments, once on the 10th of the month and once on the 25th. When you enroll, the plan administrator, Professional Benefit Consultants, processes the enrollment form then sends your information to the UW Integrated Service Center (ISC) who begins your payroll deduction for the insurance.

File an LTD claim

Contact the UW Total Benefits Office to file a LTD claim at 206/543-4444.

Once the ISC receives your request, your insurance coverage will terminate at the end of the month in which your notification was received.

Continue coverage

If you want LTD insurance after your residency or fellowships ends, you need to take action to convert your insurance coverage to an individual policy.

To do so, apply either for continuation of coverage within 31 days from when your AMA-sponsored coverage ends, or you can apply for coverage conversion during your entire last year of residency or 61 days from when your AMA-sponsored coverage ends. If you apply after the deadline, you won’t receive the discounted rates and you will be required to provide personal medical information and complete a medical exam.

If you’re continuing employment at the UW after your residency or fellowship ends, you lose eligibility for the AMA LTD. Contact The Lyman Group as outlined above, and they will assist you with a conversion product.